Eligio “Kika” de la Garza has an illustrious career of public service. He enlisted in the Navy and served in Korea. In 1952 he earned a law degree and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He was elected in 1964 to the U.S. Congress representing Texas’ 15th district. He was a founding member of the Hispanic Caucus in 1976, which he chaired from 1989-91. Rep. de la Garza proudly supported 4-H as chair of the Committee on Agriculture, and he led the way for the House to pass three farm bills and measures to assist agriculture, rural economic development, and human nutrition. He advocated funding to land grant university extension services for community-based programs and at-risk families.
Support from de la Garza for Children, Youth & Families at Risk (CYFAR) and the Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) led to significant innovation and cultural awareness in 4-H and extension. At an EFNEP presentation in 1973, de la Garza met young John Franz and was so impressed that he vowed to have John serve in his office when he was old enough. John later became his legislative aid, and is today a successful lawyer and mayor of Hidalgo, TX. Kika de la Garza has portrayed citizenship, leadership and character and support for 4-H and Cooperative Extension during his career of public service.
